Cruising couple’s highlight trike – Catriona + John 26.03.24

Our passengers from the UK, have been on a one month long boat cruise around Australia. The cruising couple’s highlight trike tour was provided by us! Catriona emailed after the tour, “….Tour was highlight of our month’s trip round Australia…”

Harbour Bridge Southern Side

Firstly, it was along Hickson Road and under the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. What a wonderful view!

Palisade Hotel

Secondly, riding further into the Rocks, they rode past the historic Palisade Hotel. It is a heritage-listed pub and hotel, in the inner city suburb of Millers Point. The construction of the Palisade Hotel commenced on 6 April 1915 and was completed in May 1916 at a total cost of just over 3000 pounds (it was pounds back then).

From here, there is a wonderful view that overlooks all of the Barangaroo area.

Barangaroo

Barangaroo is a comparatively new development which is actually very interesting. A spectacular transformation from a disused container terminal on the edge of Sydney’s CBD into a spectacular 22-hectare waterfront precinct. Finally, there is a netted of area where you can swim in the harbour without fear of our predators

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Thirdly, they rode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. he more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic. It’s nicknamed ‘The Coathanger’ because of its arch-based design. It is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. This bridge is the eighth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world and the tallest steel arch bridge, measuring 134 m (440 ft) from top to water level. It was also the world’s widest long-span bridge, at 48.8 m (160 ft) wide, until a bridge in Canada was completed in 2012.

Lavender Bay

Next, they ride through Lavender Bay. It was named after the Boatswain (bosun), George Lavender, from the prison hulk “Phoenix”, which was moored there for many years. Apparently, it is rated as one of Sydney’s “Most Liveable Suburbs”.

Blues Point Reserve / McMahons Point

After this, they rode to Blues Point Reserve. The views over Blues Bay towards the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the CBD are just stunning. All the more stunning because of the lovely weather.

So far, the cruising couple’s highlight trike tour experience has showed our passengers so many iconic sights!

Kirribilli

Then, they rode to Kirribilli. Famous for its views, Kirribilli is also famous because of Kirribilli House. Kirribilli House is the secondary official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia. Further on is Admiralty House. It is the Sydney residence of the Governor-General and one of the most historic and important residences on Sydney Harbour. The house – originally called ‘Wotonga’ – was built in the mid 1800’s.

Around the corner, is Jeffrey Street Wharf. From here, the views across Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney Opera House and the CBD are magnificent. In addition, it also has an up-close view of the side and underneath of the bridge. A perfect place to stop for photos, the rider took many. It’s where this photo was taken.

The Kirribilli Loop

Further on, they did the loop which is a fab thing to do, they rode under the north side of the bridge. The underside of the northern end of the SHB – Sydney Harbour Bridge – is very interesting. The Kirribilli Loop was finished by riding past Luna Park and the North Sydney Olympic Pool. It’s where this photo was taken. Then, the trike rider took them back over the Harbour Bridge.

Woolloomooloo, Harry’s and Garden Island

Through the eastern part of the city, they rode to Finger Wharf, an old cargo dock that attracts a trendy clientele with fine dining, hip bars and water views on all sides. It also has the famous Harry Cafe De Wheels which has been serving customers for over 80 years. They make delicious pies, hotdogs and more. Lots of interesting photos are on the walls, mostly of famous celebrities who have visited over the years.

Next, they rode past Garden Island which is the location of a major Royal Australian Navy base. Then it was up the hill and into Potts Point.

Kings Cross

Continuing on, they rode through the infamous Kings Cross, though it has calmed down a lot since it’s heyday – home of the famous and huge Coca Cola sign. Kings Cross is also home to nightclubs and ladies of the night though it is not nearly as raunchy as it was in the 1970s (apparently).

St Mary’s Cathedral

Riding past St Mary’s Cathedral is very impressive. It’s a Gothic Revival architectural building which opened in 1928. It took from 1866 to 1928 to build and has a height of 75m. The original St. Mary’s Cathedral opened in 1835 but was destroyed by fire in 1865.

Hyde Park

Then, they rode along side Hyde Park. It is 16.2 hectares and contains well-kept gardens and approximately 580 trees: a mixture of figs, conifers, palms, and other varieties. It is famed for its magnificent fig tree lined avenues. Worth a walk around at another time.

Opera House

Lastly, they rode past the Sydney Opera House. We can’t get very close but we know some good angles which give some great scenic views. Even as “forever Sydneyites” we never get tired of looking at the Opera House.

Circular Quay

Finally, it was Circular Quay. It is a main centre of Sydney. It’s where many ferries, including the Manly one, leave and arrive from. It’s also an easy walk to the Opera House from here.

However, the 1.5 hours was up so our rider dropped them off here in Circular Quay. They were going to get a ferry to Manly to continue exploring. cruising couple’s highlight trike tour experience was fun, memorable and showed them so much of Sydney in a short time. Check out the Tours & Prices page for ideas.!